Irish consumers continue to spend on dining and entertainment
Irish consumers increased spending on dining out, entertainment and leisure activities in May despite continuing pressure from higher fuel and energy costs, according to the latest AIB Spend Trend report.
The data, based on 83 million card transactions by AIB customers during the month, shows overall spending rose by 2% compared with May 2025, with discretionary spending proving particularly resilient.
Restaurant spending increased by 10% year-on-year, while spending in pubs rose by 5% and fast-food outlets recorded growth of 7%.
Entertainment spending also climbed by 6%, helped by a surge in cinema visits.
Cinema spending was up 53% compared with the same month last year, making it one of the strongest-performing categories.
AIB said the boost was linked to major film releases, with Sunday, May 3, recording the highest cinema spend of the year to date.
Consumer confidence was also reflected in spending on electrical goods, which increased by 11% ahead of the World Cup.
However, spending patterns varied across retail categories. Clothing store expenditure fell by 9% year-on-year, while spending in second-hand stores and online resale platforms such as Vinted surged by 197%.
The report also highlights the continued impact of higher transport and energy costs.
Spending at service stations rose by 8% over the past year, while expenditure on electric vehicle charging increased by 74%. Road and bridge toll spending was up 7%.
In contrast, travel-related spending weakened.
Airline spending declined by 6%, while travel agency spending fell by 3% and cruise line spending dropped by 29% compared with May 2025.
Additional growth was recorded in taxi services, where spending increased by 8%, and pharmacies, where spending was up 3%.
While pub spending rose, off-licence sales fell by 10%.
Commenting on the findings, AIB Head of Consumer Adrian Moynihan said the figures demonstrated the resilience of Irish consumers.
“The AIB Spend Trend data for May shows a resilience among Irish consumers after the initial impact of rising energy costs impacted spending patterns the previous month,” he said.
Adrian Moynihan, AIB.
Picture by Shane O'Neill, Coalesce.
“In particular, spend on discretionary activities such as eating out and cinema trips increased strongly in May.”
Moynihan noted that fuel-related spending remains elevated, reflecting ongoing geopolitical pressures, but said monitoring spending trends allows businesses and consumers to make more informed decisions in a changing economic environment.
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